Chlamydia-test campaign launched

TEENAGERS as young as 15 are being encouraged to test themselves for a sexually transmitted disease as part of a scheme to reduce levels of infection in North Derbyshire.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Jan 2010, 10:45 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2010, 15:04 BST

The 65,000 campaign has been launched in Chesterfield by Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust and will target 15 to 24-year-olds in a bid to make them undergo a chlamydia test.

According to latest figures, 3,607 young people in the town were tested for the condition last year, with 278 found to be suffering with the disease, which has no obvious symptoms.

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Youth workers in Chesterfield are helping to publicise the Fancy A Quickie campaign, and Margaret Shardlow, who works at the town’s Wheatbridge centre, said it was nothing to be ashamed of.

She added: “The campaign is aimed at getting people to see how quick and easy it is to have a test. We want young people to know they are infection free or if they are not, know that they can easily do something about it.

“Chlamydia can be treated with a very simple course of antibiotics, but if it is left the results can be devastating.”

A special website has also been set up to help get youngsters involved in the campaign at www.fancyaquickie.org.uk

Related topics:North DerbyshireChesterfield